Walter Foster Creative Team - The Everything Art Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to More Than 100 Art Techniques and Tools of the Trade

2016 Quarto Publishing Group, USA Inc.

Published by Walter Foster Publishing, a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

All rights reserved. Walter Foster is a registered trademark.

Artwork and photographs on -231 Linda Robertson Womack. All other images Shutterstock.

Cover Design: Melissa Gerber

Page Layout: Ashley Prine, Tandem Books

Digital edition: 978-1-63322-331-8

Hardcover edition: 978-1-63322-172-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

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This book has been produced to aid the aspiring artist. Reproduction of work for study or finished art is permissible. Any art produced or photomechanically reproduced from this publication for commercial purposes is forbidden without written consent from the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing.

I work in whatever medium likes me at the moment.

Marc Chagall

For some people, art is a luxury to be enjoyed as decoration or pursued as a hobby. For others, art is essential, quenching a thirst for expression in a way no other outlet can. Regardless of the function art serves for us, we could all use a little more of it in our lives than we usually allow.

The Everything Art Handbook is for those who want to try their hand at art, but may not know where to begin. The world of art can be daunting for beginners, but this basic, all-inclusive resource will help aspiring artists find the right path to begin their artistic journey.

This book is also for experienced artists who may want to delve into a new medium for the first time. Are you a master of graphite pencil drawing, but youve always longed to work with color? Try your hand at colored pencil or pastelor maybe even dabble with acrylic or watercolor. Bored with the traditional art forms? Mixed media may be the modern approach you need to drive your artwork forward.

The Everything Art Handbook is divided into five sections to help you explore the basics of each art form and decide which medium fits your interests best. Each section provides an introduction to each medium, from introductory tools and materials to basic techniquesand how to use those techniques in step-by-step projects and artwork.

Few things excite artists more than the sensory experience of artthe smell of an old studio, the buttery feel of oils under a palette knife, the velvety strokes of a charcoal stick, or the juicy splatters of fresh watercolor paint. The materials alone hold a special place in the hearts of artists, representing possibility, adventure, and a chance to live fully in the moment.

Artists of today are treated to the most accessible and diverse scope of materials ever available. With such breadth, however, beginning artists are at risk of overlooking essentials or failing to understand the nuances of their tools. Beginners can use this section to jump-start a collection of materials, and seasoned artists can use it to expand their studios and push beyond their comfort zones. Ultimately, the goal is to give you the knowledge and power to most effectively and efficiently express yourself through art.

Designating a space for making art is a great way to stay organized. However, many of us are limited when it comes to space and resources, and we must work with what we have. More than anything else, comfort, convenience, and good lightingnot expansive space or fancy equipmentare the most important elements of an effective workspace.

PURCHASING MATERIALS

Access to art supplies is easier than ever for todays artists. Below are a few ways you can expand your own studio. Remember that higher-quality materials yield higher-quality results and less frustration for the beginner, so purchase the best you can afford.

Art & Craft Stores

Seeing rows and rows of materials just waiting to be used provides instant exhilaration for most artists. Art & craft stores, which carry many of the basic art materials found in this book, offer a tactile experience, allowing you to hold the materials in your hand and see true pigment colors before purchasing. Chain art stores are predictable in what they carry and sometimes lean toward the hobbyist, providing affordable alternatives to professional-grade materials. (See Student Grade vs. Artist Grade, below.) Independent stores can vary widely in what they carry but offer an inspiring assortment of traditional and modern products.

Student Grade vs. Artist Grade

Art materials come in two grades of quality: student and artist (or professional). Artist-grade materials are more costly than student-grade paints; they contain less filler, yield richer colors, afford the artist more control over the medium, and are less likely to fade over time. Purchasing artist-grade materials up front will likely save you frustration in the long run.